SA in talks with AFL to bring Grand Final to Adelaide Oval

Adelaide is putting its hand up to host this year’s AFL Grand Final, as locked-down Melbourne prepares to move it for the first time in 122 years.

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The State Government says South Australia is the best location for this year’s historic AFL Grand Final, with Adelaide Oval in the running to host the event.

Sports Minster Corey Wingard has declared “we’re in this”, as the Victorian Government looks to begin negotiations to move the event interstate for the first time in its 122-year VFL/AFL history.

“The SA Government is in discussions with the AFL about the finals,” Mr Wingard said on Sunday.

“We’re the best placed state in the country to host not just the Big Dance, but also other finals clashes.

“We’ve done extremely well in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and Adelaide Oval has proven it can manage large crowds safely and efficiently.”

“Adelaide Oval has proven it can manage large crowds safely and efficiently.” Picture: Airborne Photography

Mr Wingard’s confidence follows Port Adelaide’s 21-point win over Richmond at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.

Port Adelaide premiership coach Mark Williams said hosting a home grand final would be a great advantage.

“If South Australia can do it, and it works for the health and wellbeing of the (state) and the economy, certainly have a crack at it,” Williams said. “And it would be a wonderful atmosphere there.”

Two-time Adelaide Crows premiership captain Mark Bickley said the government should push hard to secure this year’s Grand Final, but should not pay through the nose for the honour.

“Whether it’s Port Adelaide or anyone, I just think it would be great as a piece of history for Adelaide Oval to host an AFL Grand Final,” he said.

“Now if Port’s in it that’s even better because heaps of supporters will be able to go and watch.”

Premiership winner Kane Cornes was impressed by his former side’s win on Saturday, but said Port Adelaide’s dream of playing a grand final at home was unrealistic.

“I think that ship has sailed,” Cornes said.

“There’s little chance because the State Government’s done nothing to pursue it, which is a real shame. It’s a massive missed opportunity. (Port is) playing a finals style of footy that stacks up.”

Scott Lycett of Port Adelaide runs out for his 100th game during the round 11 AFL match between the Power and the Richmond Tigers at Adelaide Oval. Picture: Mark Brake / Getty Images

The Power sit top of the ladder and have the best percentage in the competition – a game clear of their closest rival Brisbane Lions.

But Queensland – transformed into the home of AFL this year after the outbreak of COVID-19 in Victoria – has already expressed interest in hosting the Grand Final at the Gabba.

Western Australia is also interested, but is yet to lodge an official submission for Optus Stadium.

The Grand Final is expected to be played on October 17 or 24, with a night-time fixture likely for the first time.

In July, the SA Government turned down an opportunity to set up an AFL hub in Adelaide, saying public health was more important at the time.

On Friday, Premier Steven Marshall said he didn’t think the AFL was calling for official submissions to be lodged by a determined date.

Bickley said: “If you have to wait to be asked to put in for it, it’s probably too late.”

Opposition Leader Peter Malinauskas said hosting the Grand Final in Adelaide “should be seriously investigated”.

Originally published as SA in talks with AFL to bring Grand Final to Adelaide Oval